BRONX, New York, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- On Saturday, July 15, 2017, the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation will hold the 9th Annual Runyon 5K at Yankee Stadium – and 100 percent of funds raised will directly support innovative cancer research by brilliant, early career scientists.

"Over the years, the donations generated from the Runyon 5K have helped to fund significant breakthroughs in cancer research. From curing a solid tumor with chemotherapy to finding a link between cancer and smoking, our researchers, including 12 Nobel Prize winners, are behind some of the greatest discoveries," said Lorraine W. Egan, President and CEO of Damon Runyon. "As the only 5K held at Yankee Stadium, we are thankful to the Yankees organization for being such a dedicated partner in our continued fight against cancer in all of its forms."

The Runyon 5K route winds through the ballpark's concourses and ramps, and up stairs between levels. Participants will have the opportunity to take two laps around the warning track that circles the field, appear on the centerfield video board, and meet scientists funded by Damon Runyon.

Registration: Participants can register at runyon5k.org for $45 until June 30. The entry fee will increase to $60 from July 1 through July 14. The entry fee for kids (ages five to 12 years old) is $25 through July 14. Participants are encouraged to raise funds for cancer research. For additional registration details, visit www.runyon5k.org or email runyon5k@damonrunyon.org.

Since 2009, the Runyon 5K has raised nearly $4.5 million for cancer research. As always, 100 percent of donations raised by participants will directly support the nation's most gifted young scientists, pursuing cures for all forms of cancer.

The Runyon 5K marks the latest chapter in the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation's long history with the Yankees. After the Foundation's establishment in 1946, Joe DiMaggio was on its Board of Directors and Mickey Mantle was an active fundraiser. Damon Runyon, who died from throat cancer in 1946, was a New York writer who began his career as a baseball journalist. He revolutionized how the game was covered and often reported on Yankees games.

About the Damon Runyon Cancer Research FoundationTo accelerate breakthroughs, the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation provides today's best young scientists with funding to pursue innovative cancer research. The Foundation has invested over $327 million and funded nearly 3,600 young scientists, including 12 Nobel Prize winners. 100 percent of all donations to the Foundation are used to support scientific research.